In The Bleak Mid-Winter
A Word of comfort and encouragement.
An old Christmas Carol started playing in my mind this morning. ‘In the bleak mid-winter’ — well, we had snow last night and I thought, “That’s appropriate!” — until Holy Spirit nudged me!
“Look at the words,” He said.
“In the bleak midwinter
Frosty wind made moan
Earth stood hard as iron
Water like a stone
Snow had fallen
Snow on snow, snow on snow
In the bleak midwinter, long, long ago!”
Not my favourite song, I must admit, but here in Britain, as elsewhere, we had every reason to expect another long cold winter.
Indeed, last night we had our first snowfall of winter!
Yet Holy Spirit, being who He is, had more to say.
“What do people do in severe conditions?”
“They wrap up warm.”
“Well, yes, but they hunker down, don’t they?
They prepare themselves for the worst, determined to ‘weather the storm’ and await the relief of improved conditions!”
“Ah, yes LORD they do,” — and not wishing to assume anything, I kept silent.
“Tell My People, it’s time to pray, and hunker down.
This storm, that’s only really beginning, will rage all through the winter — but Spring is coming!
Things are beginning to look bleak.
Everything in the world seems set on making life as hard and uncomfortable as it can possibly be, but My Hand is on My People.
It will be cold — but My People shall not freeze.
Food will be scarce — but My People shall not want.
Persecution may increase — but My people shall endure together!
In fact ‘by their love, you shall know’ My People!
My Church shall shine in the coming darkness.
She shall prosper and grow despite the adverse conditions.
My Church shall stand and stay standing despite all the efforts of the enemy to knock her down.
My Church shall hope and bring hope this winter to many who do not believe!
My Church shall also prepare the way for a new Church Age — a Golden Age — which shall come on the back of revival during these next few months.
I know the Plans I have for you,” says The LORD, “plans to prosper you, for your good, and make you a church fit for her King!’ says The LORD of Hosts!
The Holy Spirit finished with these words, “Pray without ceasing.
Pray, pray, pray!
War and intercede in the heavenlies.
Do not let up for a moment — your deliverance is on its way!”
Oh Hallelujah — Come, Lord Jesus, come. Take your place among us. Have your way among us. Your will be done — on earth as it is in heaven!
Amen and Amen!
~ Chris G. Bennett
Chris Bennett came to salvation in 1962 but didn’t begin ministry until 2007 — a late-comer! Now mandated by The LORD to prophesy and open old wells of revival in the U.K., but especially in Wales. He has also operated Healing Rooms, and worked with deliverance teams, all with his wife, Linda. Happily now doing whatever The LORD asks of them! Founder, with wife Linda, of their ministry The Upper Room Encounter.
Thank you Chris. No matter what things may look like, we live by faith, not by sight! Blessings